Architect Michael Graves’ First Commission Hits the Market

The Hanselmann House in Fort Wayne, Ind., was Michael Graves’ first commission, and today remains a well-preserved example of his earlier, modernist work before he began producing the bold, postmodern architecture he is known for. Originally, the three-story, single-family house was designed for Graves’ friends, Louis and Jay Hanselmann, and was completed in 1971. Today, it is listed by Keller Williams Realty for just under $265,000.

When it debuted, Graves was a modernist at the beginning of his career, and designed this house based on the modernist movement’s principles. The modern Hanselmann House received considerable publicity after it was featured in the article “On Reading Architecture,” published in the March 1972 issue of Progressive Architecture, and in the book “Five Architects: Eisenman, Graves, Gwathmey, Hejduk, Meier,” first published in 1975. Later that year, the house received an AIA National Honor Award.

The 3,863-square-foot house is complete with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and light-filled interiors. Located on a corner lot, it is immersed in a dense, woodsy area and is adjacent to a stream which diagonally passes through the property. The main entrance to the three-level house is located on the second floor, accessible by a staircase, and leads second floor to an open-plan living room and a U-shaped kitchen and a dining area. This second-floor communal space also features an original mural by Graves. The master bedroom, a den, and a bathroom are located on the third floor, and make up a private suite. The ground floor contains three bedrooms and a playroom, which were originally designed for the client’s children. Optimizing its connection to the natural environment, the residents can also access the house through an outdoor terrace located on this level.

According to Curbed, the Hanselmann House was last listed in 2011 for about $280,000.